News

Insider with: Rachel Neylan

Fri 12 Aug 2016

Former world championship medallist, Rachel Neylan, has enjoyed racing the past two seasons with the ORICA-AIS team, having signed with the Australian outfit in 2015 off the back of her impressive solo victory in the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race.

Fresh from her Olympic debut in Rio just five days ago, the 34-year-old has continued to show her climbing capabilities and strengths in some of the biggest women's races on the calendar.

Get to know a little more about the New South Wales rider:

What is the funniest thing that's happened to you this year?

“Probably the table banter among us ORICA-AIS girls. There’s too many funny moments to pick one.”

What was your best race so far this season?

“Winning GP-Plumelec was a personal highlight for me but also racing together at the pointy end helping Amanda Spratt win the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race was really fun too.”

“Anther good moment has to be working the breakaway on the final day of Elsy Jacobs where Katrin Garfoot went on to finish second overall.”

What's the worst thing that has happened in a race this year?

“When I crashed in Trofeo Binda, a WorldTour race with just 30km to go.”

Which race were you most nervous about this season?

“Fleche Wallone. Another WorldTour event and a key one-day classic for the climbers."

Do you have any interesting or weird facts about yourself?

“I raced my first bike race when I was 25 years old. Also when I was aged ten I used to time myself running races (against myself) in my backyard and built myself training hurdles with bricks and planks of wood!”

What is your favourite meal and music?

“My favourite food is Japanese food or any meal at a table with family and friends. My favourite music is any of the great grunge, rock, punk bands from the 90s live in concert.”

Who influences or helps you the most when you're at races?

“My Dad in my heart.”

What are your goals for the rest of the season?

“To win a national championship title, I've been on the podium three times but never won it. Another goal is a 2017 world championship podium place.”

What is the first thing you will do after your final race this season?

“Probably hug my teammates and have a glass of wine....perhaps an interchangeable order.”

Finally, if you weren't a cyclist what would you be?

“A ballerina!”

Best of luck to Rachel for the rest of the 2016 season with ORICA-AIS.